Over the years I have found that students from 6 to 60 look forward to their lessons and learning when they enjoy the music. You may be happy to learn that just emphasizing repetition is not the magic formula to becoming a musician!
The students who don’t want to put down their instruments are the ones who have a satisfying connection with the music and are allowed to be creative within a musical structure. Repetition will happen - when there's motivation!
So...since practice time is essential, how can a teacher help a student look forward to it - and stay doing it longer?
I have sought both music and methods that capture hearts, while allowing for me to train a solid muscle memory. One wonderful method I have used for over 25 years in my studio has been the VIP Rainbow Tones series. The color books and beautiful CD accompaniments have been a great choice for the new beginner of any age, full of variety and skill building.
I also use Mark O’Connor’s Method for Strings for its emphasis on a genre that needs a bigger “voice” in our country – American Classical Music! With books full of fiddle tunes and stories of their history, it expands the outlet for a student’s creativity and learning. Players should be encouraged to express their own voice very early on and this is emphasized from the very first little fiddle piece; Boil 'em Cabbage Down.
Everyone LOVES fiddle music! I have found no better question that will light up a player's eyes then "....would you like to learn a fiddle tune?" Every foundation they need can start right there, and a simple tune like "Boil 'em Cabbage Down" gets them on that track from the beginning.
As a former participant in Irish music sessions in the Portland area, it's a given that Irish/Scottish traditional tunes are learned here also, plus understanding the style differences. I also teach classically trained string players how to play Irish tunes - Irish!
But the emphasis in my studio, is to encourage a well rounded approach to playing the violin with solid early technique and - most importantly - a lifelong love of music. Students will discover their own path in that journey if we let them.